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Xunantunich ruins in Belize

Rainforest and Ruins

Example 5 Day Tour staying at Black Rock Lodge
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Rich in Maya culture and jungle beauty, this Belize trip will take you into the Maya Mountains, to the ancient ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol, and into the underground world of mystifying caves and beautiful water wonders. Settle into the lodge, surrounded by pristine forests and lush trails perfect for exploration. The journey includes a visit to the refreshing Rio On Pools for a cool dip, followed by an exploration of the Rio Frio Cave. You'll also venture deep into the jungle for a challenging trek to the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, where you'll explore sacred chambers filled with Maya artifacts and skeletal remains. This trip is designed to introduce you to Maya culture and history while offering plenty of hiking, caving, and other activities to keep your body and mind engaged and excited. Welcome to Belize Travel!
Canoeing on the Macal RiverMaya temple at the Caracol ruinHiking trails from the lodgeRio on Pools, Near CaracolPuma at the Belize ZooEmerald Toucanet Close-up of an American crocodile basking in the sun at the Belize ZooXunantunichA view from inside the ATM caveGreen surroundings at Black Rock LodgeBlack Rock LodgeHammock views at Black Rock LodgeEnjoy a refreshing dip on the pool at Black Rock LodgeCanoeing on the Rio MacalIguana spotted on a birding tourTop of Pyramid in XunantunichCrossing the Roaring River on the way to the ATM cave entranceXunantunich ruins in Belize
Highlights
  • Explore the Mayan ruins of Caracol, Xunantunich and the ATM cave
  • Canoe down the Rio Macal and keep a keen eye out for Belizian wildlife
  • Visit Rio Frio, the largest cave in Belize
  • Choose to book additional excursions like ziplining and more
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Belize

Arrive at the Belize City airport and transfer to your jungle retreat. Along the way stop at the Belize Zoo, where in typical Belizean fashion animals roam 29 acres in large natural enclosures. The jungle lodge is located on the banks overlooking the Macal River. Surrounded by pristine forest, your days at the lodge are filled with natural discoveries as you explore the lush vegetation of the Maya Mountains, miles of trails, and on-site farms to explore.


Day 2: Rio Macal and Xunantunich

After a leisurely morning, set out to canoe down the Macal River for your first introduction to Belizean wildlife. Your guide will help you spot iguanas, peccaries, coati mundis, and a myriad of bird life. After lunch in town, visit the Maya ruins of Xunantunich, once a major ceremonial site and the second-tallest ruin in Belize. From atop, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cayo District of Guatemala.



Day 3: Caracol and Water Wonders

Today, continue your explorations of the ancient Maya with a visit to the ruins of Caracol. Surrounded by breathtaking Belizean jungle, a visit to the ruins offers massive structures, haunting tombs and burial sites, and intriguing carvings that tell stories about the people who lived and worked in this fantastic Maya city. There is still much to be discovered at Caracol and archaeologists continue their digs and preservation of the site. With time you'll stop at Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave. A stop at the pools makes for an inviting dip, especially after hiking the afternoon under the hot Belize sun. The smooth granite stones make for great slides, but be sure to watch your step. Even for those who prefer to keep dry, the beauty of the pools is well worth the stop. Not far from the pools is the Rio Frio Cave. This is the largest cave in Belize. Approaching the cave's enormous mouth invites a magical, almost frighteningly fantastic, sensation. Long ago the cave was used as a ceremonial site for the Maya, but while artifacts no longer remain, the cave still holds onto its mysticism.

Day 4: Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

Wake early for an unforgettable adventure into the Maya underworld. Begin your journey from the lodge doors, crossing creeks and venturing deep into the Belizean jungle to reach the opening of the sacred Actun Tunichil Muknal – the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher. At the entrance, gear up with a helmet and waterproof headlamp, then wade into the emerald-colored water flowing from the cave's gaping mouth. Follow the river's path through wet and dry chambers, surrounded by hanging stalactites and towering stalagmites. Your final destination is the spectacular primary chamber where ancient kings and priests once made blood sacrifices to appease the Maya gods. Your lights reveal the ghostly outlines of skeletal ritual victims and scattered ceramic shards from ancient rituals. As this is an active archaeological site, take care not to disturb the sleeping skeletons and artifacts before returning to the light above ground. This is a fairly rigorous trip, so being in good shape is essential.

Click here for an alternative excursion available at Black Rock Lodge

Day 5: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Belize City for your departure. 

Accommodations

Black Rock Lodge

Entrance to Black Rock Lodge
Pool with overlooking views of Black Rock canyon and Macal river
Swimming pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Classic Cabins
Classic Cabin
Original, rustic Black Rock cabins include natural slate stone walls and original, rustic Black Rock cabins include natural slate stone walls. - 1 King or 1 Queen & 1 Double - Patio / Outdoor Hammocks - Ceiling FanCeiling Fan - Desk / Chair
Riverview Cabin
Riverview Cabin
offer the same spacious design as Deluxe cabins with tall windows high-pitched rooflines and stunning views of the Canyon and Macal River from the patio. - 1 King or 1 Queen & 1 Double - Patio / Outdoor Hammocks - Ceiling FanCeiling Fan - Desk / Chair
Riverview Deluxe
Riverview Deluxe
This cabin offers breathtaking views of Black Rock Falls from your private deck, complete with the soothing sounds of a nearby river. -1 King Bed + 1 Single Sleeper Sofa or 2 Queen Beds + 1 Single Sleeper Sofa - Patio / Outdoor Hammocks - Ceiling FanCeiling Fan - Desk / Chair

Notes

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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